Device comprising a core and a housing having a first and a second casing element

ABSTRACT

A device (12, 210, 220) is disclosed for use, inter alia, in a household appliance (11) comprising the device (12, 210, 220): a core (212, 222) comprising at least one dispensing module (213, 223) designed to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment space (111) of the household appliance (11) and/or to effect dispensing; a casing (211, 221), wherein said casing (211, 221) is designed to be positioned in a treatment space (111) of a household appliance (11), wherein said casing (211, 221) comprises a first envelope element (214, 224) and a second envelope element (215, 225), wherein the first envelope element (214, 224) is formed from a first material and the second envelope element (215, 225) is formed from a second material, and wherein the casing (211, 221) at least partially encloses the core (212, 222).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. National-Stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 based on International Application No. PCT/EP2018/084701, filed Dec. 13, 2018, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) and which claims priority to German Application No. 10 2017 223 218.8, filed Dec. 19, 2017, which are all hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure concerns a device for use in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and/or in a washer-dryer, the device comprising a core and a casing having a first and a second envelope element.

BACKGROUND

Devices for operating or controlling the operation of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers or washer-dryers are known from the state of the art. However, it has been found to be problematic that the devices are not sufficiently protected against the environmental influences acting on them during use in household appliances, that the household appliances suffer damage during use of the devices, and that the devices do not function optimally during use in household appliances due to adverse interactions with objects introduced into the household appliances, such as household goods, textiles, dishes and/or cutlery.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Therefore, one of the tasks of the present disclosure is to overcome the above mentioned problems and, for example, to improve the result to be achieved with a household appliance with respect to the above mentioned problems and, in doing so, to avoid damage to the devices and household appliances and to guarantee the most reliable and constant functioning of the devices used.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Devices for use in a household appliance and systems including the device are provided herein. In an embodiment, a device for use in a household appliance is provided wherein the device includes a core and a casing. The core includes at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into a treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing. The casing is adapted to be positioned in the treatment space of the household appliance. The casing includes a first and a second envelope element. The first envelope element is formed of a first material and the second envelope element is formed of a second material. The casing at least partially encloses the core.

In another embodiment, a device for use in a household appliance is provided, wherein the device includes a core and a casing. The core includes at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into a treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing. The core includes at least one reservoir for the preparation. The casing is adapted to be positioned in the treatment space of the household appliance. The casing includes a first and a second envelope element. The first envelope element is formed of a first material and the second envelope element is formed of a second material. The first material is an elastomer. The second material is a thermoset and/or a thermoplastic. The casing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system as contemplated herein;

FIG. 2a is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device as contemplated herein;

FIG. 2b is a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a device as contemplated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

As contemplated herein, a device is disclosed for use in a household appliance, the device comprising: a core comprising at least one dispensing module which is adapted to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing; a casing, the casing being adapted to be positioned in a treatment space of a household appliance, the casing having a first and a second envelope element, wherein the first envelope element is formed of a first material and the second envelope element is formed of a second material, and wherein the casing at least partially encloses the core. The casing may, for example, be configured in such a way that at least one member enclosed by the core, for example the dispensing module, is not enclosed by the casing. In this case, for example, the dispensing module may be designed to come into contact with solid, liquid and/or gaseous substances (e.g. with water), in particular in a treatment space of a household appliance (e.g. a washing machine).

The device as contemplated herein is, for example, a dosing device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, perfumes, washing and/or cleaning agents.

A system comprising at least one device as contemplated herein is further disclosed, the system further comprising at least one household appliance, for example a washing machine, a dishwasher, a tumble dryer and/or a washer-dryer. The system as contemplated herein may comprise further devices and/or features, for example features for establishing and operating a communication connection and/or a server device. A server device is understood to be a single server as well as several operationally interconnected servers such as a server cloud.

It is further disclosed that at least one device as contemplated herein is used in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and/or in a washer-dryer.

The device and the system as contemplated herein may comprise hardware and/or software components. The hardware and/or software components may, for example, comprise at least one memory with program instructions of a computer program and at least one processor designed to execute program instructions from the at least one memory.

Alternatively or additionally, the hardware and/or software components may further comprise one or more sensor modules and/or one or more communication interfaces.

For example, a sensor module is equipped to determine at least one sensor information characteristic of the condition of the treatment space of the household appliance and/or the device. Such sensor information may, for example, be at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and/or acceleration, in particular of the device and/or the casing and/or the treatment space), the conductivity (for example of a substance in the treatment space such as water and/or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and/or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment space and/or the temperature of a substance in the treatment space (e.g. water). Accordingly, the sensor module may comprise one or more sensors which are set up to record characteristic sensor information, for example an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a conductivity sensor and/or a temperature sensor (for example a thermocouple). A sensor is further understood to be, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g. a pressure sensor) and/or an optical sensor (e.g. a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module may also comprise a light generating element designed to generate light in the visible and/or non-visible range. An example of a light generating element is a light emitting diode (LED).

A communication interface is to be understood, for example, as a wireless communication interface and/or a wired communication interface.

A wireless communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wireless communication technology. An example of a wireless communication technology is a local radio network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and/or Near Field Communication (NFC) and/or Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth Version 2.1 and/or 4.0) and/or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). RFID and NFC are, for example, specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784/11785 and ISO/IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. The Bluetooth specifications are currently available on the Internet at www.bluetooth.org. WLAN, for example, is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11 family Another example of wireless communication technology is a supra-local radio network technology such as mobile radio technology, for example Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and/or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE). The GSM, UMTS and LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and are currently available on the Internet at www.3gpp.com.

A wired communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of wired communication technology are a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a bus system, for example a Controller Area Network bus (CAN bus) and/or a Universal Serial Bus (USB). CAN bus, for example, is specified according to the ISO standard ISO 11898. LAN, for example, is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It is understood that the dispensing module may also comprise other features not listed.

Below, the characteristics of the device, system and use as contemplated herein are described, some of which are exemplary.

A household appliance is understood to be in particular a washing machine and/or a dishwasher, in particular also a (laundry and/or washer-) dryer and/or an ironing device. Corresponding household appliances may have a treatment space which is designed to receive objects such as household goods, textiles, crockery and/or cutlery and to subject them to a treatment within the treatment space, for example cleaning, drying and/or ironing. The treatment space, for example, features an inner wall within which the device may be positioned. In particular, the casing is designed to be positioned within the inner wall of the treatment space of the household appliance.

The device as contemplated herein features a core. The core is to be understood as the (e.g. imaginary) area of the device that is located in the center (e.g. the spatial center) of the device. For example, the core is to be understood as the area within the casing. For example, the core is in contact with the casing of the device, for example in direct or indirect contact. For example, in the core one or more features of the device are situated. For example, the core is designed as a structural unit in which one or more features of the device are located. For example, the core has an outer shell, in particular an outer shell made of a plastic material.

The core comprises at least one dispensing module, which is designed to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing. The dispensing module may, for example, be a component of the device. The dispensing of a preparation, for example comprising detergent and/or cleaning agent, shall be understood to mean, for example, that the preparation is dispensed to the environment of the dispensing module and/or a reservoir for the preparation. The dispensing is done, for example, by the dispensing module. Alternatively or additionally, dispensing may be effected by the dispensing module, for example, the dispensing module causes the preparation to be dispensed by the reservoir. For example, the preparation is dispensed to the area around the dispensing module and/or the reservoir through a dispensing opening in the dispensing module and/or the reservoir.

The reservoir is, for example, designed to hold a preparation (e.g. a certain amount of a detergent and/or cleaning agent). The reservoir has, for example, one or more storage compartments to hold the preparation. For example, if the reservoir has several storage compartments, each of the storage compartments may contain a different preparation such as a different detergent and/or cleaning product and/or a different mixture of detergents and/or cleaning agents. The reservoir may, for example, have a specific spatial shape (e.g. cube-shaped, spherical and/or plate-shaped). The reservoir may, for example, be at least partially dimensionally stable. Alternatively or in addition, the reservoir may, for example, be at least partially flexible, for example as a flexible packaging material (e.g. as a tube and/or a bag). It goes without saying that the reservoir may also be designed as an at least partially flexible container surrounded by an at least partially dimensionally stable receptacle, for example as a bag in a substantially dimensionally stable frame.

The preparation, in particular a detergent and/or cleaning agent, is contained in the reservoir in solid, liquid and/or gaseous form. The preparation is, for example, a pure substance and/or a mixture of substances. A solid preparation, such as a detergent and/or cleaning agent, may be contained in the reservoir in powder, tablet and/or tab form. A liquid preparation, for example an aqueous or non-aqueous preparation, may be present in the reservoir as a gel, a concentrated and/or diluted solution. It is understood that the preparation may also be contained in the reservoir as foam, rigid foam, emulsion, suspension and/or aerosol. Non-concluding examples of preparations or detergents and/or cleaning agents and/or their ingredients are one or more components from a group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, fillers, plasticizers, fragrances, dyes, nourishing ingredient, acids, starch, isomalt, sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and/or polymethylimines Other non-exhaustive exemplary ingredients are bleach activators, complexing agents, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH-adjusting agents, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, anti-redeposition agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, phobic or impregnating agents, swelling or anti-slip agents and/or UV absorbers.

The reservoir is, for example, connected and/or connectable to the dispensing module. Preferably the reservoir is detachably connected and/or detachably connectable to the dispensing module. A detachable connection is, for example, a connection where the reservoir and the dispensing module may be connected and disconnected non-destructively. More than one reservoir is, for example, simultaneously connected and/or connectable to the dispensing module. The reservoir may, for example, be mechanically connected and/or connectable to the dispensing module. The dispensing module and the reservoir comprise, for example, corresponding connection features for establishing a connection between the reservoir and the dispensing module. The connection may be positive, for example in the form of a latching mechanism. Alternatively or in addition, the connection may be non-positive, for example in the form of a screw and/or Velcro connection. Alternatively or additionally, the connection can be firmly bonded, for example in the form of an adhesive connection.

In particular, the reservoir is part of the core and/or enclosed by the core. Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir is located, for example, outside the core. The reservoir is, for example, at least partially, and in particular completely, enclosed by the casing.

The connection between the reservoir and the dispensing module may also be used to transport the preparation from the reservoir to the dispensing module. The connecting elements are, for example, adapted to provide a liquid-tight, vapor-tight and/or gas-tight connection for the transport of the preparation from the reservoir to the dispensing module. Examples of connecting elements for establishing such a connection are a tube (e.g. a tube of the reservoir) and a membrane (e.g. a membrane of the dispensing module), intrinsically sealed plug and/or screw connections, sealed plug and/or screw connections, Luer Lock connections and/or Luer-couplers.

If more than one reservoir is connected and/or connectable to the dispensing module at the same time, the reservoirs may alternatively or additionally be connected and/or connectable to each other. For example, at least those reservoirs which are connected to the dispensing module may also be connected and/or connectable to each other.

Alternatively or additionally, the core may comprise at least one sensor module adapted to determine at least one sensor information characteristic of the condition of the treatment space of the household appliance and/or the device. Such sensor information may, for example, be at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and/or acceleration, in particular of the device and/or the casing and/or the treatment space), conductivity (for example of a substance in the treatment space such as water and/or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and/or temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment space and/or the temperature of a substance in the treatment space such as water. Accordingly, the sensor module may comprise one or more sensors which are set up to record characteristic sensor information, for example an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a conductivity sensor and/or a temperature sensor (for example a thermocouple). A sensor is also understood to be, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g. a pressure sensor) and/or an optical sensor (e.g. a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module may also include a light generating element designed to generate light in the visible and/or non-visible range. An example of a light generating element is a light emitting diode (LED).

The casing is designed to be positioned in a treatment space of a household appliance and in particular has an appropriate size which allows the casing to be at least partially removed from the treatment space. In particular, the casing may be positioned loosely and/or without fasteners in the treatment space. In the case of a washing machine or dishwasher, for example, the casing is to be brought into the treatment space and/or removed together with the objects to be cleaned. The casing of the device may, for example, partially or completely enclose one or more elements of the device, for example in addition to the core. The one or more agents may, for example, be positioned in the core. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more agents may be placed outside the core, for example, if the casing is not in direct contact with the core.

The casing is in particular a casing of a mobile and/or portable device and/or a casing of a device other than the household appliance. A mobile and/or portable device is to be understood, for example, as a device whose external dimensions are less than 30 cm×30 cm×30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm×15 cm×15 cm. A device other than a household appliance is, for example, a device which has no functional connection with the household appliance and/or is not a part permanently connected to the household appliance. A mobile and/or portable device as well as a device other than a household appliance is, for example, a device which is introduced (e.g. inserted) by a user into the washing and/or cleaning area of the household appliance (e.g. the washing drum of a washing machine) for the duration of a treatment process. An example of such a mobile and/or portable device as well as a device other than a household appliance is a dosing device and/or sensor device which is placed in the washing drum of a washing machine before the start of the washing process. The device as contemplated herein corresponds, for example, to such a dosing device and/or sensor device or the device as contemplated herein is part of such a dosing device and/or sensor device.

Furthermore, the device as contemplated herein may, for example, comprise at least one electro-chemical energy storage device, in particular for supplying the dispensing module and/or the sensor module with electrical energy. The at least one electro-chemical energy storage device is, for example, located inside the casing (e.g. inside the core).

The casing comprises a first and a second envelope element. An envelope element is, for example, an element that is at least a part of the casing or forms the casing (e.g. the entire casing). At least some or all envelope elements together form, for example, the casing. If there are a large number of envelope elements, for example, the large number of envelope elements form the casing (for example, if there are a large number of first and second envelope elements).

The first envelope element is composed of a first material and the second envelope element is composed of a second material. The first material is, for example, a different material than the second material. Examples of materials are polymers (e.g. elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets), organic materials (e.g. wood), metals, ceramics and/or glass. It is understood that different materials may have different material properties. Examples of such material properties are material hardness, elasticity, hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, friction coefficient against other objects (e.g. household goods, textiles, tableware and/or cutlery), electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and/or specific heat capacity. The first material may, for example, be an elastomer (e.g. rubber). The second material may, for example, be a thermoset.

Alternatively, the first and the second material may be the same material, but possess different material properties (e.g. the material properties mentioned above). The material properties of such a material may, for example, differ depending on a particular treatment (for example, as a result of a chemical and/or physical treatment).

In the device as contemplated herein comprising the casing, the casing comprising a first and a second envelope element, wherein the first envelope element is composed of a first material and the second envelope element is composed of a second material, it is a particularly advantageous design which enables the casing to be formed so as to fit the respective purpose of use. Thus, for example, by the formation with a first material which is particularly elastic, an improved damping of the device as contemplated herein against physical environmental influences is possible. Such a design is advantageous, for example, when the device is used in a household appliance in which the treatment space moves particularly strongly during the use of the device (e.g. in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and/or in a washer-dryer). The improved damping protects the device from damage during use in the household appliance and also prevents damage to the household appliance during the use of the device as contemplated herein. At the same time, a high degree of protection of objects (e.g. textiles) brought into the household appliance and the avoidance of adverse interactions of the device as contemplated herein with such objects may be achieved, for example, by using a second material which is particularly robust against chemical and/or physical environmental influences. When used, for example, in a washing machine, a tumble dryer and/or a washer-dryer, the design with such a robust second material may prevent textiles from becoming entangled in the device as contemplated herein and thus an impairment of the function of the device as contemplated herein or damage to the textiles by the device as contemplated herein during use. The device as contemplated herein thus makes it possible, for example, by selecting the first and the second material, to achieve an optimum balance between the damping of the device as contemplated herein during use in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and/or in a washer-dryer and the protection of the textiles in the washing machine, in the tumble dryer and/or in the washer-dryer and to ensure the unrestricted functionality of the device as contemplated herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first envelope element is designed in such a way that it has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties.

Such characteristics shall be understood to mean, for example, a design of the first envelope element in such a way that the device is inhibited in the generation of sound and/or impact. Such a generation may occur, for example, through the interaction of the device with the household appliance, especially during use in the household appliance. The generation may occur in particular when the device is used in a household appliance where the treatment space moves particularly vigorously during the use of the device (e.g. in a washing machine, tumble dryer and/or washer-dryer). A design of the first envelope element that has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties is possible, for example, by choosing a first material that is particularly elastic and/or has a high damping capacity (e.g. an elastomer, in particular a rubber). Alternatively or additionally, the first envelope element can be located in the casing in such a way that it is situated at least at the extreme positions of the casing. Such extreme positions are to be understood as positions where there is a high probability of contact with the household appliance or with objects placed in the household appliance.

Such a design of the first envelope element is particularly advantageous, since, for example, damage to the device on the one hand and the household appliance on the other hand, and, in particular, disturbing noise pollution of the user may be avoided. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this also increases user-friendliness.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second envelope element has a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element with respect to objects placed in the treatment space, in particular household goods, textiles, tableware and/or cutlery. Alternatively or additionally, the second envelope element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element against the inner wall of the treatment space. A coefficient of friction is, for example, a dimensionless value for the frictional force in relation to the contact pressure between two bodies. It is understood that the coefficient of friction may be a coefficient of static friction or a coefficient of sliding friction.

The first and second envelope elements have, for example, different coefficients of friction against objects placed in the treatment space and/or against the inner wall of the treatment space. The coefficient of friction of the respective envelope element (e.g. the first or the second envelope element) may, for example, be different with respect to different objects brought into the treatment space and the inner wall of the treatment space. The second envelope element may, for example, have a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element, at least in relation to one type of object (e.g. textiles) brought into the treatment space. Alternatively, the second envelope element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element with respect to several types or any type of objects introduced into the treatment space and/or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment space. The first material of the first envelope element and the second material of the second envelope element each have, for example, a different coefficient of friction against objects introduced into the treatment space and/or against the inner wall of the treatment space. The second material has, for example, a lower coefficient of friction against objects introduced into the treatment space and/or against the inner wall of the treatment space than the first material. The first material which has, for example, a lower coefficient of friction with objects placed in the treatment space and/or with the inner wall of the treatment space than the second material, and the second material, in an at least partially chessboard-like arrangement of the first and second envelope elements, are evenly distributed, for example evenly distributed over the outer surface of the casing.

By designing the second envelope element in this way, it is possible, for example, to achieve a particularly high level of protection for objects placed in the household appliance. Furthermore, the occurrence of adverse interactions of the device with such objects may be avoided.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first material is an elastomer, in particular a rubber, and the second material is a thermoset and/or a thermoplastic.

A thermoset is to be understood as a plastic which, after curing, can no longer be deformed by heating or other measures. A thermoplastic is, for example, a plastic that can be reversibly deformed within a certain temperature range. An elastomer, for example, is a plastic which can be elastically deformed under tensile and/or compressive load, but which then returns to its original, undeformed shape. The use of such materials as first and second materials enables, for example, a particularly advantageous balance to be achieved between the damping of the device during use in a household appliance, for example during use in a washing machine, tumble dryer and/or washer-dryer, and the protection of objects placed in the household appliance, for example textiles. In addition, the occurrence of adverse interactions of the device with such objects may be avoided and, for example, the unrestricted functionality of the device may be ensured.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the casing has a plurality of first envelope elements and/or a plurality of second envelope elements.

By a plurality of first or second envelope elements, for example, at least two first and/or second envelope elements, preferably at least about 10 first and/or second envelope elements, particularly preferably at least about 100 first and/or second envelope elements, are to be understood. The casing may, for example, have a plurality of first envelope elements and a second envelope element. The casing may also, for example, have a first envelope element and a plurality of second envelope elements. If, for example, the casing has a plurality of first envelope elements and a plurality of second envelope elements, the number of first and second envelope elements may be different. The casing has, for example, more first than second envelope elements or more second than first envelope elements. Alternatively, the number of first and second envelope elements may be the same.

In this way, for example, a distribution of first and second envelope elements that is as accurate as possible for the intended use of the device may be achieved, for example, with regard to the respective material properties of the first and second envelope elements.

In addition, the casing may, for example, have a first envelope element and a second envelope element per surface unit of the outer surface of the casing.

The outer surface of the casing should, for example, be understood to be that surface of the casing which is essentially distal to the core. The outer surface area of the casing may, for example, in the case of an essentially spherical design of the device, be essentially a spherical dome. The outer surface of the casing may, for example in the case of an essentially cuboid design of the device, be essentially flat. A surface unit may, for example, be 10 mm×10 mm, preferably 3 mm×3 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm×1 mm. For example, a first and a second envelope element per surface unit may be located in the casing. For example, the first and second envelope elements may be evenly positioned per surface unit. With a surface unit of 10 mm×10 mm, for example, the first envelope element has a surface area of 5 mm×10 mm and the second envelope element has a surface area of 5 mm×10 mm. Alternatively, the first and second envelope elements can be positioned unevenly per surface unit. With a surface unit of 10 mm×10 mm, for example, the first envelope element has a surface area of 9 mm×10 mm and the second envelope element has a surface area of 1 mm×10 mm. An array of first and second envelope elements, in which the casing has one first envelope element and one second envelope element per surface unit of the outer surface of the casing, allows, for example, an array of first and second envelope elements in as equal a number as possible and ensures that the first and second envelope elements are positioned as evenly as possible.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements are evenly distributed over an outer surface of the casing. The plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements may, for example, be at least partially chessboard-like.

A uniform distribution is to be understood here, for example, as a uniform surface distribution and/or a uniform spatial distribution. By such a configuration, in particular by an at least partially chessboard-like configuration, it can be ensured that the first and second envelope elements are distributed as uniformly as possible and as far as possible over the entire device. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that the advantages of the material properties of the first material (e.g. damping) and the advantages of the material properties of the second material (e.g. a low coefficient of friction compared to objects introduced into the treatment space) may be used at any point of the device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first envelope element and the second envelope element are each at least partially in direct contact with the core or the plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements are each at least partially in direct contact with the core.

Alternatively or additionally, envelope elements (e.g. the first and the second envelope element) may, for example, be positioned next to each other. A large number of envelope elements (e.g., a large number of first and second envelope elements) may, for example, be evenly distributed next to each other (e.g., like a chessboard).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements is at least partially positioned between the core and the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements is at least partially disposed between the core and the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements.

A first of a plurality of first envelope elements is, for example, located between the core and a first of a plurality of second envelope elements. In this case, for example, additional envelope elements of the plurality of first envelope elements may be alternated with additional envelope elements of the plurality of second envelope elements. Obviously, a first of a plurality of second envelope elements may also be located between the core and a first of a plurality of first envelope elements. Accordingly, further envelope elements of the plurality of second envelope elements may be arranged alternately with further envelope elements of the plurality of first envelope elements.

The first and the second envelope element may, for example, be positioned one above the other. The first or the second envelope element may, for example, be a shell or part of a shell, the shell being at least part of the casing, wherein the shell or the entirety of the shells corresponds to the casing. Such a shell may, for example, at least partially enclose the core. In a plurality of first and second envelope elements, for example, one envelope element of the plurality of first and second envelope elements may be in direct contact with at least one other envelope element of the plurality of first and second envelope elements (e.g., at least one adjacent envelope element of the plurality of first and second envelope elements). For example, each envelope element of the first and second envelope elements may each be in direct contact with at least one other envelope element of the first and second envelope elements (e.g., at least one adjacent envelope element of the first and second envelope elements). Alternatively, at least one envelope element of the first and second envelope elements may not be in direct contact with another envelope element of the first and second envelope elements. Adjacent envelope elements of the first and second envelope elements may, for example, be arranged at a distance from each other. A cavity (e.g. in the form of an air chamber) may, for example, be located between two adjacent envelope elements of the first and second envelope elements.

Such a design allows the material properties of the first and second envelope elements to be combined. Only one of the first and second envelope elements may, for example, form the outer surface of the casing, so that when selecting the envelope element that does not form the outer surface, for example, when selecting the material, no consideration must be given to adverse interactions with objects placed in the household appliance.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one air chamber is formed between the first envelope element or plurality of first envelope elements and the second envelope element or plurality of second envelope elements, the air chamber having sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties. By employing such a design with at least one air chamber, for example, sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties of the at least one air chamber may be used in addition to sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties of the first and/or second envelope element. The at least one air chamber is, for example, at least partially filled with foam and/or gas. The sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties may be further improved by filling with foam and/or gas.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the casing encloses the core liquid-tight.

For example, the casing encloses the core in such a liquid-tight manner that the core does not come into contact with one or more types of liquids in a treatment space of a device when the device is positioned in a treatment space and especially during a treatment. The casing encloses the core, for example, in a watertight manner. For example, the casing encloses the core of the device and/or some or all of the features of the device do not come into contact with water when the device is positioned in a treatment space, for example the treatment space of a washing machine, and especially during a treatment.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the core comprises at least one reservoir for a preparation.

The at least one reservoir is, for example, at least one of the above disclosed reservoirs.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and/or the second material have biocidal properties. Alternatively or additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the casing further comprises a third envelope element formed of a third material, said third material having biocidal properties.

Biocidal properties are to be understood as those properties which lead to a reduction of the reproductive ability and/or infectivity of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores) and/or to the mortification and/or inactivation of microorganisms. This allows the improvement of hygiene when using the device. If, in addition to the first and second envelope elements, the casing has a third envelope element formed of a third material, the third material having biocidal properties, it is possible to form the device with biocidal properties without affecting the choice of the first and/or second envelope element. This makes it possible, for example, to avoid having to select the first and/or the second envelope element specifically with respect to their biocidal properties.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is essentially spherical in shape. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, the device is substantially cuboid, in particular with rounded corners and/or with rounded edges.

A spherical design of the device allows a highly symmetrical configuration of the device, so that, for example, the device is particularly protected from damage during use in the household appliance. Similarly, such a design of the device allows a particularly efficient prevention of damage to the household appliance during use of the device as contemplated herein. A cuboid design of the device allows easier handling of the device by the user, for example when positioning it in a treatment space of a household appliance.

The individual embodiments and designs of the device, the system and the use of the present disclosure disclosed above as well as the individual features of these embodiments and designs should also be understood in all technically meaningful combinations.

Furthermore, the embodiments and designs described above are only to be understood as examples and are not intended to restrict the present disclosure in any way.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are given in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, especially in connection with the Figures. However, the Figures are only intended to clarify, but not to determine the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The Figures are not to scale and are merely intended to illustrate the general concept of the present disclosure. In particular, features contained in the Figures are not intended to be considered as a necessary part of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system as contemplated herein comprising a household appliance 11 and a device 12. The household appliance 11 has a treatment space 111, for example a washing machine drum. In FIG. 1, device 12 is designed as a mobile dosing device for dispensing a preparation. Alternatively, device 12 may also be designed as a stationary device, e.g. stationary in treatment space 111 of household appliance 11. In FIG. 1, household appliance 11 and device 12 are not shown to scale, in particular the device 12 is of a size that allows device 12 to be inserted into and removed from treatment space 111 of household appliance 11.

Household appliance 11 and device 12 may, for example, communicate via communication link 100. Communication link 100, for example, is a connection according to a wireless communication technology. Communication connection 100 is, for example, a communication connection according to a mobile radio technology. It is understood that communication connection 100 may alternatively be wired. Furthermore, communication connection 100 may also include wired and wireless sections, for example in any number and sequence.

FIG. 2a shows a first exemplary embodiment 210, FIG. 2b a second exemplary embodiment 220 of a device as contemplated herein. Devices 210 and 220 may, for example, each correspond to device 12 in FIG. 1. Devices 210 and 220 are shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b in cross-section. As an example, devices 210 and 220 are each spherical. Device 210 has, for example, a casing 211 and a core 212, device 220 a casing 221 and a core 222. Core 212 is partially enclosed by casing 211, core 222 by casing 221, for example. Casings 211 and 221 are each designed to be positioned in treatment space 111 of household appliance 11.

Core 212 includes a dispensing module 213. Core 212 also includes, for example, a reservoir 216. Reservoir 216 is connected to dispensing module 213 in a detachable manner Casing 211 has, for example, a recess in the area of dispensing module 213. Core 212 in the area of dispensing module 213 is, for example, not in direct contact with casing 211.

Accordingly, core 222 comprises a dispensing module 223 and, for example, a reservoir 226, which is detachably connected to dispensing module 223. Casing 221, for example, has a recess in the area of dispensing module 223. Core 222, for example, is not in direct contact with casing 221 in the area of dispensing module 223.

Casing 211, for example, has a number of first envelope elements 214 and a number of second envelope elements 215. Casing 221, for example, has a first envelope element 224 and a second envelope element 225. The first envelope elements 214 and 224, for example, are designed to have sound- and shock-absorbing properties. It should be understood that the second envelope elements 215 and 225, for example, have a lower coefficient of friction against textiles than the first envelope elements 214 and 224. The material of the first envelope elements 214 and 224 is, for example, rubber. The material of the second envelope elements 215 and 225 is, for example, polyoxymethylene. Alternatively, the materials of the first envelope elements 214 and 224 and/or of the second envelope elements 215 and 225 may have, for example, antimicrobial properties.

Casing 211 has a first envelope element 214 and a second envelope element 215 per surface unit of the outer surface. The plurality of first envelope elements 214 and the plurality of second envelope elements 215 are to be understood as arranged like a chessboard. The plurality of first envelope elements 214 and the plurality of second envelope elements form the casing 211. The first envelope elements 214 of the plurality of first envelope elements 214 and the second envelope elements 215 of the plurality of second envelope elements 215 are each at least partially in direct contact with the core 212. For example, first envelope elements 214 of the plurality of first envelope elements 214 and second envelope elements 215 of the plurality of second envelope elements 215 are not in direct contact with the core 212 in the area of the dispensing module 213.

In the example in FIG. 2b , the first envelope element 224 is located between core 222 and the second envelope element 225. In the exemplary case that the device 220 has a plurality of first and second envelope elements, in addition to the first 224 and second envelope elements 225 shown in FIG. 2b , further first and second envelope elements may be arranged alternately, for example between the first envelope element 224 and the second envelope element 225.

The first envelope element 224 in the example in FIG. 2b is at least partially in direct contact with core 222 and at least partially in direct contact with the second envelope element 225. Alternatively the first envelope element 224 may be spaced from core 222 and/or spaced from the second envelope element 225. At least one air chamber may, for example, be formed between core 222 and the first envelope element 224 and/or between the first envelope element 224 and the second envelope element 225. Such at least one air chamber may, for example, have sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties. It is understood that if a plurality of first envelope elements 224 and second envelope elements 225 are present, adjacent envelope elements may each be arranged in direct contact or spaced apart. Likewise, if a large number of first envelope elements 224 and second envelope elements 225 are present, at least one air chamber with the above-mentioned properties may be formed between adjacent envelope elements.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification and the optional features and properties mentioned in each case in this respect should also be understood as disclosed in all combinations with each other. In particular, the description of a feature comprised by an embodiment—unless explicitly stated otherwise—should not be understood in the present case as meaning that the feature is indispensable or essential for the function of the embodiment.

Terms used in the claims such as “encompass”, “have”, “include”, “contain” and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The expression “at least partially” covers both the case “partially” and the case “completely”. The wording “and/or” should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, i.e. “A and/or B” means “(A) or (B) or (A and B)”. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plural. A single device may perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the claims are not to be regarded as limitations of the features and steps used.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. Device for use in a household appliance the device comprising: a core comprising at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into a treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing; a casing, wherein said casing is adapted to be positioned in the treatment space of the household appliance, wherein said casing comprises a first and a second envelope element, wherein the first envelope element is formed of a first material and the second envelope element is formed of a second material, and wherein the casing at least partially encloses the core.
 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first envelope element is designed in such a way that it has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties.
 3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second envelope element has a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element with respect to objects introduced into the treatment space.
 4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first material is an elastomer, and wherein the second material is a thermoset and/or a thermoplastic.
 5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a plurality of first envelope elements and/or a plurality of second envelope elements.
 6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the casing comprises a first envelope element and a second envelope element per surface unit of the outer surface of the casing.
 7. Device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements are uniformly distributed over an outer surface of the casing.
 8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first envelope element and the second envelope element are each at least partially in direct contact with the core or wherein the plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements are each at least partially in direct contact with the core.
 9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements is at least partially disposed between the core and the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements, or wherein the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements is at least partially disposed between the core and the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements.
 10. Device according to claim 9, wherein at least one air chamber is formed between the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements and the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements, wherein the at least one air chamber has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties.
 11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the casing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner.
 12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises at least one reservoir for a preparation.
 13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second material has biocidal properties, and/or wherein the casing further comprises a third envelope element formed of a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties.
 14. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device is substantially spherical in shape.
 15. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device is substantially cuboid.
 16. System comprising: at one device according to claim 1, and at least one household appliance.
 17. (canceled)
 18. Device for use in a household appliance the device comprising: a core comprising at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into a treatment space of the household appliance and/or to effect dispensing, wherein the core comprises at least one reservoir for the preparation; a casing, wherein said casing is adapted to be positioned in the treatment space of the household appliance, wherein said casing comprises a first and a second envelope element, wherein the first envelope element is formed of a first material and the second envelope element is formed of a second material, wherein the first material is an elastomer, and wherein the second material is a thermoset and/or a thermoplastic, and wherein the casing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner.
 19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the first envelope element and the second envelope element are each at least partially in direct contact with the core or wherein the plurality of first envelope elements and the plurality of second envelope elements are each at least partially in direct contact with the core.
 20. Device according to claim 18, wherein the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements is at least partially disposed between the core and the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements, or wherein the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements is at least partially disposed between the core and the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements.
 21. Device according to claim 18, wherein the first and/or the second material has biocidal properties, and/or wherein the casing further comprises a third envelope element formed of a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties 